10 Forgotten Anime Shows That Are Perfect From Start to Finish

One of the best things about new anime series is that the quality and quantity have never been better, with dozens of must-watch shows coming out every year, each having better animation and more creativity than the last. With series such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, modern anime is at an all-time high, which also means that viewers have shorter attention spans and tend to forget about all the good anime that came before.

Because everyone is looking forward to the next big thing, many classic anime have become somewhat forgotten. That is why this list will highlight ten forgotten anime shows that are still perfect from start to finish, based on writing, animation, originality, entertainment value, consistency, how forgotten they are, how much credit they deserve, fan opinion, critical acclaim, popularity, and overall quality. However, to be forgotten in the first place, an anime needed to once be popular, so every anime on this list was famous at one time, but isn’t anymore.

10

‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic’ (2012-2014)

Image via A-1 Pictures

A fantastic anime is never forgotten, and some fans will never forget the anime on this list, but the majority of the community has moved on. However, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is probably the most relevant today out of all the anime featured here. Mysterious dungeons wield unrivalled power, and those who conquer them can become king candidates alongside their magi. Alibaba and Aladdin may be young, but they have big dreams of making the world a better place.

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic may not be that old, but it is unfortunately forgotten by many since it didn’t get any new seasons. Fans are still hoping for a revival, and maybe then it will get popular again. But for now, Magi remains an unrepresented classic that delivers some of the best battle shōnen action, worldbuilding, and political intrigue.

9

‘The Irresponsible Captain Tylor’ (1993-1996)

Image via Tatsunoko Production

The 1990s are full of forgotten anime series, due to their distinct styles and the passage of time, including The Irresponsible Captain Tylor. The titular character just wants to live a comfy life with a good job and no stress. However, despite being incredibly unqualified, he works his way up the career ladder through coincidence and luck. Now the captain of a space vessel, he and his crew miraculously succeed in their battles, changing the tide of the war.

The animation is absolutely stunning, boasting an impressive hand-drawn style and ’90s aesthetic, which is full of fun, life, and wonder. The Irresponsible Captain Tylor is a charming anime series with borderline slice-of-life fun that will switch into profound life lessons. This forgotten ’90s anime is still perfect, especially at the end when it turns the animation up and has a more melancholy story.

8

‘Darker than Black’ (2007-2010)

Image via Bones

Bones is a critically acclaimed studio known for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and My Hero Academia, but one of their most underappreciated shows is Darker than Black. Years after two gates opened over the world, the sky is covered by a daunting skyscape. People with special abilities named contractors populate this world, and one investigates a plot that threatens to kill all of them.

Darker than Black was one of the most popular anime series in the mid-2000s, having millions of fans who loved the style. The animation and art are fantastic, helping the fights feel more engaging with creative powers and a riveting story. Darker than Black excels with its characters, who also have a comedic side to lighten up the suspenseful moments, highlighting its versatility and overall entertainment value.

7

‘Sherlock Hound’ (1984-1985)

Image via TV Asahi

Sherlock Holmes is the world’s greatest detective and one of the most iconic mystery franchises, but there are a lot of anime adaptations, including Sherlock Hound. Following the titular character, this dog investigates plenty of mysteries with a cast that is entirely made up of dogs. The culprit is usually Moriarty, but that doesn’t make his schemes predictable.

For fans who love mystery shows and want something a bit more charming and fun, Sherlock Hound is the series for them. Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, it features his wholesome aesthetic and entertaining vibe. One would think it would be more popular with Miyazaki directing, but Sherlock Hound is a forgotten ’80s anime that needs a modern revival.

6

‘SKET Dance’ (2011-2012)

Image via Tatsunoko Production

Witch Watch is a popular new anime, but the creator has an older series that used to be just as beloved: SKET Dance. A group of students forms the titular club, standing for support, kindness, encouragement, and troubleshooting, with them helping anyone at the school who needs it. From simple requests to impossible tasks, they will help people in any way they can.

The episodic format isn’t for everyone, but that just means there are more stories to enjoy that flesh out the characters. SKET Dance is wholesome and inspirational at times and then goofy and ridiculous at other times, but both offer an engaging format. The eccentric characters helm an over-the-top anime with some of the best comedy of the 2010s. It’s a shame the anime has slipped through the cracks, but it’s never too late to rediscover it.

5

‘Slayers’ (1995)

Image via E&G Films

The 1990s had a different focus, with most anime being overly goofy and having an episodic or semi-slice-of-life style. Slayers follows Lina, a powerful yet greedy sorceress who travels across the world with her friends, taking treasures from bandits and saving the world in the meantime, mostly by accident.

Slayers is a magnificent fantasy anime that, unlike many in its genre, is a goofy slapstick comedy. This show is a definitive 1990s comedy anime, whether fans prefer its art or its style to the sense of humor. Its unique approach means it may not appeal to a newer audience, but it still holds up as a product of its time. Slayers balances its humor with high-stakes battles and epic action, making it a must-watch ’90s classic.

4

‘Durarara’ (2010-2016)

Image via Brain’s Base

Narratives in anime are often the same, but Durarara features a branching story that slowly weaves plot lines together. When Mikado moves to Tokyo, he is excited to experience the thrill of city life. But after getting involved with the local gangs, shady figures, and urban legends, he may regret his decision, especially when chaos begins to break loose.

Durarara has one of the best mysteries in anime, creating a truly intriguing story that is dark, quirky, and fascinating. The colorful cast of characters has eccentric personalities and plot relevance, each carrying their own importance that will play a major role in the story. As Durarara merges storylines, the plot gets darker, more engaging, and easier to binge, making it a wonder why it isn’t more popular.

3

‘Kyou Kara Ore Wa!!’ (1993-1997)

One of the most popular genres of the 1990s was delinquents, and there were many famous shows from that era that have now faded into obscurity, such as Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! Now in high school, two students decide to become delinquents, but to be respected, they must pick a fight with anyone who annoys them. As they beat up punks from other schools, they build their name.

Newer fans might not like the delinquent genre, and that is mostly why it is forgotten, but Kyou Kara Ore Wa is a phenomenal anime to binge and enjoy. Each episode is another bizarre adventure and battle, perfectly mixing action and comedy. The romanticized punk aesthetic, when paired with the stellar art and hand-drawn animation, highlights the glory of Kyou Kara Ore Wa and its goofy, unserious action that packs a nostalgic punch.

2

‘Haibane Renmei’ (2002)

Image via Radix

Most of the anime on this list have been silly shows or action-focused, but the first bleak and depressing series here is Haibane Renmei. Set in a village, the residents have no memories of life before their time here, only knowing that they have a halo over their heads and wings on their backs. Daily life may be boring, but some begin to learn the truth behind this mysterious village.

The pacing of Haibane Renmei may be slow, but it is deliberate, leaving much to the audience’s imagination as it explores their tragic lives and the mysteries of the village. This depressing but thematically rich anime is perfect for the melancholic soul, detailing a personal, emotional, and complex story. Haibane Renmai isn’t for everyone, but it is a beautiful story with a lot of heart and soul.

1

‘xxxHOLiC’ (2006-2011)

Image via Production I.G.

CLAMP is a renowned all-female manga group known for masterpieces such as Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. However, one former famous anime from them is xxxHOLiC. Watanuki can see supernatural spirits, but tends to avoid them. However, when a building draws him in, he becomes involved with Yuuko, who says she can get rid of this power if he works for her, helping to grant people’s wishes in the supernatural realm.

xxxHOLiC may not be the best anime series of all time, but it is still a magnificent show with a life lesson in each episode. Every mystery ranges from a dark, twisted supernatural plot that threatens a character’s life to a goofy side adventure where they build snowmen. Either way, xxxHOLiC knows how to evoke the feeling, often highlighting the importance of self-awareness and knowing when to change, otherwise risking a dark fate. xxxHOLiC used to be massive, but it has since become a relic.